Pithoragarh Tourism - A Visual Delight

Pithoragarh is a district in the state of Uttarakhand and serves as a gateway to the mighty Himalayan ranges. It is located in the beautiful Soar Valley and is bordered by the Almora District in the north. The Kali River separates it in the east from the neighbouring country Nepal. Most of the ancient temples and forts were constructed here during the reign of the Pal and Chand dynasties. In the 15th century, the region was controlled by the Brahm Kings for a short period. Later, the kings of the Chand Dynasty restored their rule and reigned till the British took over.

Kumaoni is the language spoken by the tribes living here. The region is rich in natural resources like limestone, copper, magnesium, and slate. It is surrounded by lush green coniferous, sal, chir, and oak forests. The region is home to the Himalayan chamois, sambar and tiger, along with several birds and reptiles.

Various churches, mission schools, and buildings were built during the British rule. Tourist planning to explore Pithoragarh can visit the Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva. According to a folklore, the famous sage Kapil meditated at this site. During the Shivaratri festival, devotees in large numbers visit this temple. Thal Kedar is another popular religious attraction, which is located at a distance of 8 km to the south of Pithoragarh.

This place offers an opportunity to visit the Ashur Chulaa, a beautiful sanctuary located at a distance of 20 km from the Pithoragarh Town. This site is nestled at an elevation of 5412 ft above sea level. Besides, another popular tourist destination Munshyari serves as a gateway to the Johar region. This gateway leads to the Millam, Namik, and Ralam glaciers.

Pithoragarh Fort is a famous tourist site, which was built by the Gorkhas in 1789 after invading the Pithoragarh region. Tourists can also visit the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary, which was set up to conserve musk deers (scientifically named as Moschus leucogaster). This sanctuary offers tourists an opportunity to observe different animals like leopard, jungle cat, civet cat, barking deer, serow, goral, brown bear snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, and bharal. Besides, this sanctuary is inhabited by numerous birds, including snow cocks, monals, pheasants and chukors.

Jauljibi is a famous tourist site, located at a distance of 68 km from the town of Pithoragarh. This place is also the meeting point of two rivers, Gori and Kali. A fair is held here on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. According to locals, this fair was first held in November, 1914.